February 17, 2022 (Surrey, BC) – Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) applauds the economic plan, StrongerBC: A Plan for Today, a Vision for Tomorrow, released today by the Province of BC, providing a roadmap to economic recovery and skills training funding focused on the jobs of tomorrow. There are six missions laid out in the economic plan: supporting people and families, building resilient communities, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, meeting B.C.’s climate commitments, environmental and social responsibility and fostering economic innovation. These missions align closely with MNBC’s recently released Strategic Plan.
MNBC has worked closely with the Province on skills training over the last number of years, funding thousands of Métis learners and students in a variety of skills training and post-secondary education spots. Recently, MNBC secured additional funding of $1,400,000 for MNBC’s Skills Training programs from the previously announced $5,700,000 in October 2021, bringing the total amount of funding to $7,100,000 million for fiscal year 2021-2022. This funding further aids MNBC’s Skills Training, Employment, & Post Secondary (STEPS) programs to deliver much needed skills training to Métis people in BC, leading to better employability rates and earning ability. With over 1 million job vacancies over the next decade, MNBC is ready and willing to help meet the coming demand.
“MNBC has proven to be a partner that can deliver on skills training for job-ready employees,” says Dean Gladue, MNBC Minister of Employment and Skills Training. “We look forward to working closely with the Province to fulfill this new vision which has a keen focus on training Indigenous people. As we continue the process to build our own training institute in BC, our capacity to meet the growing needs of government continues to expand.”
MNBC is also keen to work with the Province on economic development, fostering economic innovation, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The plan from the government proposes working with Indigenous Peoples to transform the economy by supporting the rebuilding of Indigenous economies, respecting and reflecting Indigenous economic knowledge, wisdom and practice, and facilitating holistic economic sustainability that improves the well-being of all British Columbians. MNBC looks forward to involvement on the development of an Indigenous-led agency focused on Indigenous economic development.
"With over 365 registered Metis Businesses across BC, we are eager to work with the government on implementing their plan for economic development, innovation and cutting-edge technological growth," says Louis De Jaeger, MNBC Minister of Economic Development. "Especially on areas where greater supports and investments lead to equal and equitable economic reconciliation for our Metis entrepreneurs."